Pesticide Feedback Loop

Overview

Pesticides are a fossil fuel intensive product with the transportation, application, and disposal stages fueling emissions. Further, increased pesticide use is expected as warmer temperatures make pesticides less effective and leaves plants more susceptible to disease and pests. Increased use releases more emissions and is linked to pesticide-resistant pests, which in turn drives greater pesticide use. The infographic below visualizes this negative feedback loop generated by pesticide use.